To insure means to protect against possible loss or damage by paying a company to cover the cost if something bad happens. When your parents insure their car, they pay an insurance company a regular fee (called a premium). If the car gets damaged in an accident, the insurance company pays for repairs instead of your family having to cover the entire cost themselves.

People insure all kinds of valuable things: homes, health, businesses, even famous athletes insure specific body parts crucial to their careers. The idea is simple: you pay a small amount regularly to avoid being hit with a huge, unexpected expense later. If your family's home is insured and a storm damages the roof, insurance helps pay for fixing it. Without insurance, your family would need to pay thousands of dollars all at once.

Don't confuse insure with ensure, which means to make certain something happens. You insure your bicycle against theft, but you ensure you lock it up properly.